George Ianovski

Review of Opéra

The opera house is gloriously situated on the wate...

The opera house is gloriously situated on the waterfront. It's supposed to resemble an iceberg, while in reality it resembles slabs of concrete. Still, you're allowed to climb on the roof, which is more than you can say about the Mariinsky.

While the exterior is a nice place to chill, listen to the waves, and pretend the wind does not bother you, it's inside that the place really shines. The theatre is encased in a weird wooden shell with sloping passages leading you to your seats. At intermission you can come out on the balcony where you get a view of the sun setting on the fjord.

Inside everything seems to check out, too. The balcony, at least, has great sound.